The Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior is a Spanish cycling race that has quickly become a prestigious event, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport. But here's the catch: while it has already seen the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Tom Pidcock as winners, the race organizers have their eyes set on a new dream participant - the Dutch sensation, Mathieu van der Poel.
This young race, only in its fourth edition, has been a surprising success due to its unique gravel sectors, offering an early-season challenge like no other. The 2022 edition saw Alexey Lutsenko claim victory, followed by Pogacar in 2023, and Oier Lazkano in 2024 with a controversial win, now tainted by his UCI suspension. Last year, former World Champion Michal Kwiatkowski made a remarkable comeback to take the title.
The race continues to shine in the Spanish cycling calendar, and this year's edition features an impressive lineup with Pidcock, Spanish champion Iván Romeo, and favorites Jan Christen, Giulio Pellizzari, and Pello Bilbao. However, one notable absence is Pogacar, who plans to race less this year, focusing more on quality than quantity.
Race director Pascual Momparler revealed in an interview with Marca that Pogacar's early-season schedule might prioritize the UAE Tour due to his team's preferences. But Momparler has a bold strategy: he aims to convince Van der Poel to join the 2027 edition. And this is where it gets interesting... Momparler believes that if Van der Poel's team changes equipment next year, the race could be an ideal testing ground for his new setup.
Van der Poel, a former gravel World Champion and current cyclocross champion, is a rider of immense talent and influence. Momparler acknowledges the challenge of attracting such a selective athlete but is confident in his ability to negotiate. He plans to make a compelling offer, similar to the one that secured Pidcock's participation this year.
And this is the part most people miss: the race's 1.1-ranking might not be the most prestigious, but it's a stepping stone in the organizers' vision. They understand the importance of early communication and building relationships with riders and their teams, especially with the increasing selectiveness of top athletes' race calendars.
So, will we see the Dutch star grace the Spanish gravel sectors in 2027? Only time will tell, but the anticipation and controversy surrounding this potential participation are sure to keep cycling fans on the edge of their seats. What do you think? Is this a realistic goal, or is Momparler aiming too high? Share your thoughts in the comments!
